A Charlotte man is facing serious felony charges after allegedly abducting and sexually assaulting a woman in a backyard shed.
According to arrest warrants obtained by The North Carolina Beat, Brian Knuckles, 50, has been charged with felonious restraint, second-degree forcible rape, and assault on a female following an incident that occurred on Friday, March 21, around 3:00 p.m. in the 7100 block of Cardigan Avenue.
The victim, who was in the area of 7313 Cardigan Avenue for work-related purposes, told police that she was approached by Knuckles, her ex-boyfriend of seven years. Court documents state that Knuckles forcefully grabbed her wrist and dragged her into a shed behind 7101 Cardigan Avenue. Once inside, he allegedly punched her in the face with a closed fist and told her she was not allowed to leave.
Fearing for her life, the victim told Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) officers that she did not scream or try to escape.
Inside the shed, the woman said Knuckles made verbal demands for oral sex and ordered her to undress. When she refused, he allegedly forced her against a counter, pulled down her pants, and raped her, according to the warrants. The victim told police that Knuckles did not use a condom and ejaculated inside her.
Charlotte Man Arrested for Crimes Against Nature After Ex-Boyfriend Turns Him In
Following the assault, the woman said Knuckles forced her to lay on the shed floor with him. Any time she moved, he allegedly punched her in the face or head and threatened further violence, telling her he would beat her if she tried to leave.
The victim was forced to remain in the until the next day, Saturday, March 22, when Knuckles allegedly left to “hustle and make money.” At that point, she fled on foot and asked passersby for money to purchase a bus pass to return to her home on Nelson Avenue, where she then called 911.
CMPD officers responding to the call observed visible injuries on the woman, including a bruised left eye and a cut on her lower lip. She was also transported to a hospital for a SANE kit.
Arrest warrants were issued for Knuckles on March 23, and he was taken into custody the following day, where he remains held without bond.
Knuckles is scheduled to appear in court on April 8, 2025.
